Mining apparatus



E. L. HOPKINS.

MINING APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED OCT. H. 1912. RENEWED JULY 30,1920.

Patented May 2, 1922,

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Patented May 2,1922

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E. L. HOPKINS.

MINING APPARATUS.

I APPLICATION EILED OCT. 11, 1912. RENEWED JULY 30, 1920.

Patented; May 2,; 11922.

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MINING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 11, 1912. 1,414,877.

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-8 SHEETS-SHEET 7- 1Z91t181 I 181;? 18 Tr/6 WZ QZZ .,:W k M 139]] "76 W121 a 180 I 16'] W A m 62 wi/tvmooeo 8% 4/ Qua/ 3 2 7 J 1, fl/btozmeu E. L. HOPKINS. MINING APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED OCT. H, 1912- RENEWED JULY 30, I920- flLAMfiWD Emma May 2, 19229 8 SHEETS-SHEET 8- w w M M M M M M M 181- 161-1] 9780 N v I 8 w; wi/taam W oz UNHTED ED'i/VARD L. HOPKINS, 0F COLUMBUS, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE JEFFREY MANUFAC- TUBING COMPANY, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF-OHIO.

MINING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 2, 1%22.

Application filed. October 11, 1912, Serial No. 725,276. Renewed July 30, 1920. Serial No. 400,213.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EDWARD L. HOPKINS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Columbus, in the county of Franklin and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Mining Apparatus, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The invention relates to mining apparatuses of the class in which each is supported on a movable base (preferably a wheeled truck) and carries a horizontally projecting kerf cutting mechanism which is capable of movement horizontally relatively to the base or truck and is adapted to operate while supported on the said base or truck. One way of using a mining apparatus of this type is to lay a single track along the center of the room or entry being cut and to then move the mining mechanism or apparatus forward along this track to a point near the face. Use is then made of the cutting mechanism of the apparatus to cut a kerf extending across the face from one side to the other, the said cutting mechanism remaining supported on the truck while the cutting is being carried on. 7

By my invention I have provided aIg apparatus in which the cutting mechanism is movable not only transversely across the front of the machine-(preferably angularly about a fixed vertical axis), but also translatively outward and inward away from and toward the central parts of the truck; and

I have provided power operated means for moving the cutting mechanism horizontally relatively to the truck outward and inward and transversely so that it will be fed to its work. The connection between the cutter mechanism and the truck is such that the mechanism is held in a definite angular relation to the truck for each position of trans verse adjustment. With this construction it is possible for the cutting mechanism to be moved outward so that the cutters across its front can be brought into'operation and for the cutting mechanism to be moved transversely so that the cutting devices along its side can be brought into operation.

I have shown an apparatus which comprises a mining machine of'the shortwall type supported on a frame which is adjustable with respect tothe truck frame angularly and vertically; but it will be understood that there can be wide variation as concerns the specific form of cutting mechanism used and as concerns the means for supporting, driving and controlling it. I have shown the mining machine as removable from the truck so as to be capable of operation at points separated therefrom; but it will be understood thatthe invention, in its broader aspects, is notlimited to an apparatus comprising a removable or separable complete mining machine.

As is well known, it is customary in the mining of coal to cut a kerf under the wall 'to be removed and then to break down the material above the kerf. But under some conditions it is possible and in fact preferable to cut the kerf not at the bottom but at a lane above the bottom. An apparatus em odying my invention is adapted for use under those conditions which make possible the cutting of an elevated kerf. The desirability of a kerf some distance above the mine floor frequently arises from the presence in the coal of what is known as a dirty band, this usually being composed of slate or other refuse material which it is undesirable. to permit to become mixed with the coal. In places where such a dirty band is met with, it is desirable to cut it away. This cutting away of the dirty band not only removes it and prevents its becoming mixed with the coal, but also provides the necessary kerf. As the dirty band is at different heights in different mines, or even in different parts of the same mine, it is desirable that any apparatus de signed for cutting it out be provided with j usted vertically, it can be easily transported from place to place, and is adapted to be used and handled in novel ways which "will be hereinafter fully described." By'prefer once it comprises as aforesaid twomain mechtype specified having a cutting mechanism which is movable horizontally both angularly and translatively and having power mechanism for effecting movement in both of the said ways.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a mining apparatus, the combination of a mechanism for supporting a mining machine at an elevation while a sumping cut is being made, and'means for then supporting it at an elevation during the cutting of a kerf across a room.

A. further object of the invention is to provide in an apparatus of this kind improved means -for supporting the cuttingme'chanism in such a way that it can be adjusted vertically or moved ,angularly, and to provide power operated devices for operating the said adjusting means. Another object is to provide an improved device whereby the machine can be supported while being unloaded from the truck or loaded on to it. A still further object is to provide improved means whereby power can be trans mitted from the mining machine motor to drive the wheels of the truck. Another -ob'-.

ject 'is to provide in an apparatus of this type an electric cable reel supported and driven by improved devices. Other objects are to provide certain improved details of construction and certain improved arrangements of parts, all of which are made clear in the accompanying drawings and in the following specification.

Of the drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiment of my invention,-

Fig. 1 is a side view of the apparatus as a whole.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus with the mining machine removed.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the mining machine separate from the other mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mining machine, the top part of the gear case being removed to expose the gearing.

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view on a somewhat larger scale of the truck without the mining machine or the skid. The view is taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view on a still larger scale of the truck with the mining machine removed. The view is taken along the lines 66 of Figs. 1 and 2. ,v

Fig. 7 is a, fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 7-7 of Fig. 6, some of the parts being broken away in order that others may be clearly shown.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the mining ma chine supporting frame separated from some of the other parts of the truck.

F ig. 9 is a fragmentary detail view taken along the line 99 of Fig. 2.

truck. This frame comprises side bars 2, 2

and two end cross bars 3 and 4. ese sideand end bars are preferably angle irons arranged with their horizontal flanges uppermost and turned inward. Secured {to the upper horizontal flanges of the angle irons is a rectangular plate 5 which forms the main platform of the truck. In addition to the side angle bars 2, 2, there are other longitudinal angle bars 6, 6 which are arranged with their horizontal flanges uppermost and turned outward. Extending transversely between the angle bars 6, 6 is a transverse angle bar 7 which is secured at its ends to the bars 6, 6 and which assists in supporting the plate 5. The frame 1 is supported by means of track wheels 8, 8 and axles 9 and 10 which are mounted in suitable bearings 11, 11. The brackets for the bearings 11, 11 extendupward between the angle bars 2 and 6 at each side of the frame and are there secured in place. Preferably the frame and the bearing brackets are reinforced laterally by means of-brace bars 12. It will be noted that the axles 9 and 10 are not symmetrically disposed with respect to the transverse central plane of the truck frame but are considerably nearer the end A than the end B. The reason for this will be made apparent.

On the base frame of the truck is a platelike movable frame 13 which, in co-operation with other parts which will presently be described, is designed to support a cutting mechanism so that said mechanism can be turned horizontally, moved rectilineally horizontally and adjusted vertically in relation to the base frame. In the particular construction shown, the frame 13 is mounted after the manner of a turn-table. 14 is a base ring or plate secured to the top plate 5 of the truck. The base plate 14: carries a piyot stud 15 which projects upward through a suitable bearing aperture in the movable frame 13. Tnterposed between the base plate 14 and the frame 13 are a series of rollers 17, 17 which are held in place and guided by means of concentric rings 18, 19.

Secured to the frame 13 at the rear end thereof are several depending clips 20 which apertures 14 14".

carry at their lower ends rollers 21 mounted for rotation about horizontal axes and adapted to engage the under side of an outward projecting annular flange 22 on the base plate 14. rear end of the frame from tilting upward when loaded at its forward end. As a further means for supporting the forward end of the frame 13 I provide on the truck frame horizontal rollers 23, 23 which are en gaged by a flange 24 on the frame 13. It will be seen that by means of the several devices which I have described the frame 13 is very securely mounted on the truck frame but is at the same time free to be turned about a vertical axis extending through the stud l5.

In-order that the movable frame 13 may be locked at any desired position with respect to the truck frame, I provide a brake shoe 25 adapted to frictionally engage the lower surface of the flange 22 (see Fig. 9). This brake shoe 25 is carried by a bolt 26 which extends upward through a suitable aperture in a projection 27 on the frame 13. At the upper end of the bolt 26 there is a hand nut 28 by means of which the bolt can be drawn upward to force the brake shoe against the flange 22. Obviously then the whole frame 13 is held against movement.

28 is a platform for the operator. This is preferably supported on two rearward extending brackets, one of which, 28*, is secured directly to the main frame 10f the truck, and the other of which, 28, is secured to the base plate 14 of the turntable.

Upon the base plate of the turntable there are formed two horizontally projecting lugs or brackets 14 14, which are provided with Under certain conditions of use jacks can be put in place with their lower ends in engagement with the lugs 14", 14 and'with their upper ends in engagement with the mine roof. In this way the machine can be held securely in place on the truck. These lugs can also be used for the attachment of the ends of a haulage cable when the apparatus is to be moved by means of a locomotive.

Firmly secured at their lower ends in the frame 13 are four upright supports in the form of vertical studs 29, 30, 31 and 32 arranged to define a horizontal polygon, preferably a rectangle. Each of these studs is provided at the side toward the longitudinal central plane of the machine with rack teeth 33, the purpose of which will presently appear. Above the frame 13 is a cradle 34 to receive and support a cutting mechanism and, in the construction shown, the cradle is "designed to receive an entire, self contained mining machine of the shortwall type. The cradle is provided with four apertures 35, 36, 37 and 38 which fit over the upright supports or studs 29, 30, 31 and 32. The

These rollers serve to prevent the engagement of the walls of the apertures with the studs serves to guide the cradle for vertical movement relative to the frame 13, relative horizontal movement being prevented. The cradle is provided with longitudinal skids 39, 39, and with vertical flanges 40, 40, adjacent the skids. These skids and flanges cooperate in supporting the mining machine in such a way that it can be either fixed against movement or can be slid longitudinally of the cradle.

The mining machine which I have shown in the drawings does not of itself constitute a part of my invention and it is therefore unnecessary to describe it in detail. How ever, a brief reference to some of its im portant parts will be helpful in reaching an understanding of the construction and operation of the mining machine supporting and controlling mechanism and an understanding of the co-operative relationship between the mining machine and the supporting'and controlling mechanism. It may here be noted that the mining machine is in the main like that shown in the United States Letters Patent to E. R. Merrill, 1,127,663, to which reference may be had for a detailed showing and description.

The mining machine comprises a bed frame 41 adapted to slide upon the skids 39, 39 and to be guided by the flanges 40, 40. From the forward end of the bed frame there projects a cutter frame 42 which serves to support and guide an endless chain 43 carrying cutters 44, 44. The chain 43 passes over a sprocket wheel 45 which is rotatably mounted on a vertical stud shaft 46 secured to the bed frame. Mounted on the bed frame of the mining machine there is an electric motor 47 arranged with its armature shaft extending longitudinally of the mining machine. At the outer end, i. e., the end away from the cutting mechanism, the armature shaft of the motor is provided with a clutch element 48 which is useful in a way to be described. At the other end of the armature shaft there is a bevel pinion 49 which meshes with a bevel gear 50 on a vertical shaft 51 mounted in suit-able bearings on the frame. This shaft 51 carries near its lower end a spur pinion 52 which meshes with a large spur gear 53 rotatably mounted on the stud shaft 46. Mounted above the gear 53 is a vertically movable collar 54 which carries a plurality of depending clutch pins 55, 55 arranged to extend throughsuitable apertures in the web of the gear wheel 53. The upper face of the sprocket wheel 45 is pro vided with a series of bosses 56, there being one boss for each clutch pin, and when the V collar 54 and the pins are in their lower-' most position the pins engage the bosses to transmit'power from the gear wheel to the sprocket wheel. The collar 54 is grooved to receive suitable projections on a lever arm 57 having its end pivotally connected at 58 with the bed frame. A link 59 is connected at its lower end with the lever 57 and at its upper end with an eccentric band 60. By means of the handle 61 the eccentric with which the band 60 engages can be rotated to move the link 59 up or down and to thereby move the collar 54 to bring the pins 55, 55 into or out of engagement with the bosses on the sprocket wheel. It will be seen that by merely moving the lever 61 the operator can connect or disconnect at will the motor and the cutter chain,

At the inner end of the main frame of'the machine there isprovided a winding drum 62 mounted upon a horizontal longitudinally extending shaft 63. The following gearing is provided for transmitting power from the motor at? to the drum 62. Mounted upon theshaft 51 is a worm 64: which meshes with a worm wheel 65 on the outer end of a longitudinal shaft 66, this shaft being sdpported in suitable bearings. Rotatably mounted on the other end of the shaft 66 is a pinion 67 provided with a. sleeve-likehub or extension 68 to which is secured a gear wheel 69. The pinion 67 meshes with a gear. wheel 67 on the drum shaft 63. Rotatably mounted on the shaft 66 between the gear wheel69 and the worm wheel 65 there is a pinion 70. 71 is a rotatable shaft mounted parallel to the shaft 66, this shaft being entirely independent of the shaft 63 upon which the drum 62 Secured toi theshaft 71 is a.

is mounted. gear wheel 72 which meshes with the pinion 70 and a pinion 7 3 which meshes with the gear wheel 69. The pinion 70 and the gear wheel 69 are each provided with clutch teeth adapted to mesh with similar teeth on a clutch element 74 which is sp lined on the shaft 66. This clutch element 74 can be moved longitudinally of the shaft 66 by means of a suitably connected hand lever 75. lit will be clear that when the clutch ele ment 74: is in its central neutral position, no power will be transmitted through the gearing to drive the drum 62. However, when the clutch element 7 4c is moved to connect the gear 69 with the shaft, power will be transmitted through the pinion 67 and the gear 67 to drive the drum at a relatively high speed. When the clutch element 7 4 is moved to connect the pinion with the shaft, power is transmitted through the gear wheel 7 2, the shaft 71, the pinion 73, the gear 69, the pinion 67, and the gear 67 to drive the drum at a much lower speed. Connected with the drum 62 tobe wound thereon is a cable 76. The cable passes from the drum under a guide sheave 77 which is mounted in a block 78. This pulley block is in the nature of a caster frame and is mounted to turn in its support on the bed frame. lBy turning the pulley block the cable can be guided to leave the machine at any angle imam Preferably the machine is also provided with guide sheaves 80 and 80 at the rear corners of the bed frame, and a guide sheave 80 near the center of the bed frame at the opposite side. This sheave 80 is mounted in a holder .80 which is pivoted so that the sheave can be supported either in the position shown in Fig. 4 or can be swung upward out of the way. The reason for providing these guide sheaves will be made apparent hereinafter.

At the outer end of the machine there is provided a drum 81 which, as shown, is v mounted for rotation about a horizontal longitudinal axis. A cable 82 is provided to be wound upon and unwound from the drum 81. Tn order to controland resist the movement of the drum 81 in the cable unwinding direction, there is provided a brake drum which is engaged by a brake band 83. A screw 84 is provided for regulating thetension in the band, this screw being provided with a handle 85. During the cutting operations which are to be described, the cable 82 is secured at its free end to a jack or other stationary object and serves, by means of the brake, to resist and retard the movement of the outer end of the machine.

It will be observed that the cutter frame 42 has all of its parts fixedly connected together so as to constitute one inflexible'or' rigid whole. The cutting devices, in this case the endless chain 43 with the cutters 44 thereon, are so mounted and guided that they follow a path which is fixed with respect to the frame, viz.,. across the front end and along the sides thereof. It will also be noted that this rigid cutter frame is movable with respect to the base frame of the truck either transversely or longitudinally.

As has been stated, the mining machine can be supported upon the skids 39, 39 of the cradle 34. The mining machine can be locked in place on the cradle by means of the devices which are indicated at 86* and 87. 86 is a latch mounted on the cradle in a manner to permit transverse sliding move- 'ment. It can be controlled by means of a thumb piece 86. 87 is a plate bolted to the frame of the mining machine. It is provided with a lug 87 adapted to be engaged by the latch 86. By simply moving the latch the miningmachine can be locked in place or released.

88, 88 are two parallel horizontal shafts arranged longitudinally of the cradle at the' sides thereof. They are supported in suitable bearings, these hearings preferably being located adjacent the openings 35, 36, 37 and 38 through which pass the vertical studs 29, 30, 31 and 32. The shafts 88, 88 are provided near their ends with pinions 89, 90, 91 and 92, which are positioned to extend into the apertures 35, 36, 37 and 38, and to mesh, respectively, with the rack teeth on the studs 29, 30, 31 and 32 when the studs extend through the apertures. Each shaft 88 carries at the -end B, i. e., the end opposite that at which the cutter mechanism of the mining machine projects, a worm wheel 93. These worm wheels 93, 93 are oppositely pitched and mesh with oppositely pitched worms 94, 94 which are rotatable on a transverse shaft 95. This shaft 95 is supported in bearing brackets 96, 96 and 97 which are secured to the cradle 34.

At the end B of the cradle is a controlling mechanism, similar to that covered by my copending application for mining machine trucks, Serial No. 719,898, filed Sept. 12, 1912. This mechanism comprises a transverse shaft 98 mounted in suitable bearings 99, 100 and 101, secured to the lifting base. At one end of the shaft 95 there is secured a sprocket wheel 102 which is in alignment with a similar sprocket wheel 103 on the shaft 98. A chain 104 connects the two sprocket wheels.

Preferably the bearings 99, 100 and 101' are mounted upon or'formed as parts of a single casting 105, which-also serves to support other parts of the power transmitting mechanism. -Mounted in suitable bearings on the casting 105'is a longitudinal shaft 106 provided at its forward end with a clutch element 107, adapted to mesh with the clutch element 48 on the armature shaft of the mo tor 47 when the mining machine is in place on the lifting base. Secured to the shaft 106 is a worm 108, which meshes with a worm wheel 109, rotatably mounted on the shaft 98. The worm wheel 109 may be operatively connected with the shaft 98 by means of a clutch of the well known friction disc type. This clutch 110 is shown in the drawings and need not be described in detail. The disc 111 is provided for applying pressure to the discs of the clutch and a ball-bearing 112 is provided for carrying the pressure.

Rigidly mounted on the shaft 98, preferably between the bearings 99 and 10 is a brake wheel 113, which is engaged by a friction brake band 114. One end of this brake band is adjustably secured at 115, and the other end of the brake band is pivotally connected at 116 with an arm 117 secured to a short transverse shaft 118, mounted in suitable bearings on the casting 105. The rock shaft 118 also carries an upstanding arm 119, which is adapted to be engaged by a cam 120 on a collar 121, loosely mounted on the shaft 98. The collar 121 can be moved by means of a hand lever 122, and it will be obvious that by moving the hand lever and the collar the cam 120 can engage the arm 119 to move it to tighten the brake band 114. The casting 105 at points adjacent the bearing 100 is provided with a series of inclined teeth 123, and the collar 121 is provided with a series of similarly inclined teeth 124 adapted to mesh with the teeth 123. The collar 121 has formed upon it a flange 125, and between this flange and the plate 111 there is interposed a ball bearing 126. The surfaces of the teeth 123 and 124 are so inclined that when the collar is rotated in a direction to release the brake, the collar is forced longitudinally of the shaft and its motion is transmitted through the ball bearing 126 to the plate 111 to press together the discs of the clutch 110. When the collar is rotated in the other direction the brake is applied and the clutch is released.

Each of the worms 94, 94 is provided at its inner end with clutch teeth which are adapted to mesh with similar teeth on clutch members 127, 127 splined on the shaft 95. Each of these clutch members is provided with a circumferential groove and mechanism is provided for shifting the clutch members simultaneously to bring them into or out of engagement with the teeth on the worms. Referring especially to Fig. 8, 128, 128 are longitudinally arranged levers pivoted at their rear ends to the cradle 34 for lateral swinging and positioned so that their forward ends extend respectively into the grooves in the clutch members 127,127. Pivoted to the lifting base at 129 is a hand lever 130 which is provided with oppositely disposed arms 131, 131. To each of these arms there is pivotally connected one end of a link 132, the other end of the link being pivotally connected with one ofthe levers 128 between its ends. -lVhen the parts are in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 8, the clutch members will be out of engagement with the clutch teeth on the worms '94, 94 and no power will be transmitted from the motor to the shafts 88, 88. However, by swinglng the lever 130 as indicated in Fig. 8, the clutch elements 127, 1.27 can. be moved away from each other and into engagement with the 'teeth on the worms.

the rack teeth 33 on the studs29', 30, 31 and 32. As the shafts 88 are rotated in opposite directions and as the gearing ratio to each shaft is the same as that to the other, the rate of raising or lowering of the cradle on all four studs will be the same. Thegearing between the four pinions 89, 90, 91 and .92 is direct and positive and ,there is no possibility of one pinion getting ahead of the other to cause tilting and consequent binding on the studs. Therefore, by means of the mechanism which I have provided, the mining machine motor can be utilized to adjust the machine for cutting at various heights, the motor while so used preferably being disconnected from the miningmachine cutter mechanism and feeding mechanism. By r tating the motor in one direction the cradle and the mining machine can ;be raised, and by rotating the motor in the other direction, the cradle and the mining machine can be lowered. The worm and wheel connections interposed between the shafts 88, 88 and .the other parts of the power transmitting mechanism are non-overhauling and ,thus serve .to automatically lock the lifting base in whatever position it may be When the transmission of power from the motor is interrupted.

ll also provide mechanism by means of which the power of the mining machine motor can be used for moving the apparatus.

asa whole from point to point along the track. Mounted upon the turntable base plate 14 is a transverse rotatable shaft 133 to which is secureda'ispur ear wheel 134 and a sprocket wheel 1.135.? This sprocket Wheel 135 aligns withasinlilar spr cket wheel 136 on the axle 9. an endless chain 137 passes over thetwo sprocket wheels. Preferably the two axles 9 and 10 are connected together for synchronous rotation by means of a chain 137 which passes over suitable sprocket wheels secured to the axles.

138 is a spur gear wheel mounted upon the shaft 95. This gear wheel138 is positioned to be in longitudinal alignment with the gear wheel 134 when the turntable and the parts carried by it are in normal central position. 139 is a lever which is forked at its lower end to have bearings on the shaft 95 at points on the opposite sideszof and closely adjacent to the gear wheel 138. The lever is also provided on op osite sides of the gear wheel with depen ing arms 140, 140 which carry a transverse pin 141 upon which is mounted an idler pinion 142 which meshes with the gear 138. Connected at its upper end with the upper or outer end of the lever 139 is a slotted link 143. 144 is a suitably mounted bolt which extends through the slot in the link. This bolt is provided with a thumb screw and by means. of this thumb screw the link 143 and consequently the lever 139 and the pinion 142 can he looked against ncr mentl r al y the p nion is held i plate.

telnet? its raised position as shown by full lines in Fig. 5. When it is desired to connect the apparatus for locomotion under its own power the turntable and the parts supported thereby are brought to central position and the cradle is lowered as far as possible. When the parts are thus adjusted the thumb screw on the bolt 144 can be loosened and the pinion 142 can be swung down to mesh not only with the gear 138 but also with the gear 134 on the shaft 133. It is obvious that within certain narrow limits variations in the height of the cradle can be compensated for by a proper adjustment of the idler pinion. After this proper adjustment has been made the pinion can be locked in place by means of the thumb screw. The meshing of the pinion 142 with the gear134 completes the connection from the mining'machine motor to the truck wheels and by rotating the motor in one direction or the other the truck can be driven forward or back ward.

lit is obvious that it would :be undesirable, if not in fact disastrous if an attempt were made to raise or lower the cradle while power was being transmitted to drive the truck. along the track; and it is also obvious that it would be undesirable to permit the idler pinion to be in its lowermost position while the cradle is being raised or lowered. In order to avoid either of these contingencies, T have provided an automatic safety locking device. This device comprises a small plate 145 secured to the link 132 which is adjacent the lever 139, and an arcuate lug 146 formed on the lever 139 adjacent the The relative positions of the plate and lug are such that when the lever 139 is in its lowermost position the lug 146 lies in the path of the plate 145. As the plate 145 is secured to one of the levers 132 the levers are locked against movement and it' is impossible to throw in the clutches to connect the worms 94, 94, with the shaft 95. Similarly, when the lever 139 is in its upper position and the links 132, 132 have been moved to connect the worms with the shaft, the plate 145 lies in the path of the lug 146 thus preventing the lever 139 from being moved.

Preferably I provide at the rear of the apparatus a rotatable reel upon which can be Wound an electric conductor cable for the supplying of current to the mining machine motor. When the apparatus is in use the free end of the cable is connected to'a suitable source of electric current supply and the current passes throughthe cable and from the cable through suitable connections to the motor. In order that the cable may not be fouled when the apparatus is moved, mechanism is provided for automatically windingup the cable on the reel when the apparatus is advanced toward the W at cable attachment, and for permitting it to unwind under frictional resistance when the apparatus is moved in the other direction. In the construction which I have indicated for purposes of illustration there are provided on the cradle two rearward extending reel supporting bars 147, 147, these being preferably angle-shaped in cross-section. The vertical legs of the angles are provided with notches 148, 148 adapted to receivethe ends of the reel frame 149 which is in the form of a U. The main body of the frame is horizontal, but the ends are bent downward to engage the notches. Rotatably mounted on the frame for rotation about a horizontal axis is the reel 150. Secured to one side of the reel is a rope sheave 151 and on the shaft 98 there is provided another rope sheave 152 which aligns with the rope sheave 151. An endless rope belt 153 passes over the two sheaves and serves not only to drive the reel when the shaft is rotated, butalso to support the reel and the reel frame in the position indicated in the drawings. 154 represents the electric conductor cable which is wound upon the reel. It is provided at its end with a hook 154*. 155 represents the fiexible conductor between the cable and the mining machine motor. Preferably this conductor is of such a length as to permit removal of the machine from the truck without breaking the electrical connection. At 156 a suitable support and guide is provided for controlling the cable.

The sheave 152 is loosely mounted on the shaft 96 and is provided at157 with clutch teeth adapted to mesh with similar teeth on a clutch element 158 which is splined on the shaft. This clutch element 158 can be slid along the shaft into or out of operative position and is frictionally held against accidental movement by the spring clip 159.

It will be noted that the connections between the cutter frame 42 and the main base frame of the truck are such that, while movements of the cutter frame outward and inward and transversely are permitted, the position of the cutter frame is at all times definitely controlled by the position of the truck. For each position of angular adjustment of the cutter frame there is a definite angular relation to the base frame.

In operation, when it is desired to move the apparatus from point to point by its own power, the turntable is placed in its central position and the cradle is lowered so that the pinion 142 can connect the gears 138 and 134 in the manner which has been. described. By operating the electric motor in one direction or the other the truck can be moved forward or backward. The motor is controlled by means of the starting box 160. Preferably this starting box is provided with an operating shaft 161 and a hand wheel 162 by means of which the operator can control the motor from the rear end of the machine. The preferable mode of operation is to start the motor with the lever 122 in position to apply the brake 113, 114 and to hold the clutch 110 disengaged. Then by moving the leverthe brake can be released and the clutch engaged for the transmission of power. In this way, by means of the lever 122 the operator can easily control the speed of movement of the apparatus and can quickly stop it by means of the brake. It is only necessary to change the motor connections when it is desired to reverse the direction of travel.

Current is supplied to the motor through the flexible cable 155 which has been before referred to. This cable preferably has two separate conductors which are provided with plugs 163 adapted to be inserted in suitable sockets in a box on the motor frame. The other ends of the conductors in the cable 155 are connected as before stated with the cable 154 which is wound upon a reel 150.

If the apparatus is to be moved along a section of track provided with a trolley wire, the cable reel need not be rotated and the clutch element 158 is moved to its in operative position as shown in Fig. 6. During the movement of the machine along the track, the operators helper holds the cable hook 154 against the trolley wire and current is thus supplied to the motor.

hen it is desired to enter a side entry or room in which no trolley wire is provided, the end of the cable is connected with a suitable source of electric energy such as the trolley wire in the main entry. The apparatus can then be advanced as before and the cable can be unwound from the reel by its own tension. If desired, however, the clutch element 158 can be moved into operative engagement with the drive sheave 152.

The rope belt 153 will then serve to drive the reel to assist its rotation in the cable unwinding direction.

When it is desired to bring the apparatus back out of the side entry or room, the truck is driven as before but the direction is reversed by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor. The clutch element 158 being in operative position, the rope 153 drives the reel in the winding direction and the cable is wound up as the apparatus necessary to properly adjust the mechanism vertically. This is accomplished as follows: After the machine has reached the place where it is to be used, it is stopped and the pinion 142 is thrown out of mesh with the gear 134. Then the clutches at 127, 127 are thrown into engagement, thus making connections with the shafts 88, 88 and the pinions 89, 90, 91 and 92. By throwing.

-leases the clutch 110 and the worm and .wheel gearing at once automatically locks the parts in adjusted position.

. The machine is then swung around toward the right wall as shown in Fig. 11 and is locked in this position by means of the brake shoe 25. A jack is then placed directly in advance ofI-the machine at 164, and the end of the feed cable 76 is carried forward and attached to this jack. The cutters are then set in operation and the drum 62 is rotated by means of the gearing which has been described. The cable 76 draws the whole apparatus bodily forward along the track and forces the cutter mechanism into the face of the entry to the position indicated in Fig. 12. It will be noted that the right edge of the kerf thus formed is smooth and parallel with the center line of the entry.

After the position shown in Fig. 12 has been reached the truck wheels are blocked and the turntable is released. The jack is removed and replaced at 165. The cable is again attached to the jack-and the drum 62 is again rotated. The cable now serves to swing the mining machine and the movable parts of the supporting apparatus, the result'being to cut a kerf across the front of the entry. This transverse cutting is continued until the position shown in Fig. 13 is reached.

After the machine is in the position indicated in Fig. 13 the truck wheels are re:

' leased and the turntable is'locked as before by means of the brake shoe 25.

I i The jack is placed at 166 and the cable is carried backward and attached to it. By rotating the drum 62 thelmachine is drawn backward along the track to the position shown in F1g. 14, thus completing the kerf'and'mak ing its left edge smooth and parallel with the center line of the entry. The apparatus can now be withdrawn from the face of the entry and the coal above and below the kerf removed. After this the kerf-cutting operation can be repeated.

In order that the cable may conveniently A be passed backwa gd, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, T prefer-\"to provide on the cradle 34 a small idler sheave 167 which is in longitudinal alignment with. the sheave 77 on the mining machine. It will be seen that by passing the cable backward from the sheave 77 over the sheave 167 it can be used to move the whole apparatus backward without becoming entangled.

' In Figs. 15 to 21 ll have indicated another way in which the apparatus can be used. These figures show'the operations incident to the cutting of a kerf across the face of a relatively wide room as contrasted with the operations just described for cutting a kerf across the face of a relatively narrow entry. The track upon which the apparatus enters the room is laid close to the right rib as shown in the drawings. The -machine is advanced to position and vertically adjusted in the way which has been described in connection with the entry work. Thenby setting the jack in front of the machine at 164*, in the way which is shown in Fig. 11, the mechanism can be advanced to a position such as that indicated in Fig. 15 in which the cutter mechanism projects part way into the coal face. tion is reached the cutting operation is stopped and a skid 168 is brought into use. This skid is clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 10. It is simply a framework having side bars 169 and 170 adapted to align with the parts 39, 39 and 40, 40 of the lifting base. This skid can be removably connected with the cradle by means of hinges at 171, 171,- these hinges having removable pivot "pins. The skid side bars'169, 170 are preferably angle irons. The angle 169 at the right hand side is furnished with its verti- .cal flange extending upward, whereas the 'downwardas indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1 to leave the space above the level ofthe horizontal flange of the angle entirely clear. Secured to the depending vertical flange of the angle 170 are sockets 173 which are adapted to receive the endsof track rails for a purpose to be presently set forth. In order to support the skid while the apparatus as a whole is being moved; I provide a link 174 which is pivoted at its lower end to the cross bar 175 of the skid. At the upper'end of the link 174 there is rotatably connected a cross-piece 176 provided Witha handle 177. When this cross- '42 3f the cutter frame 42, thus serving to When this posimachine.

support the skid. By turning the crosspiece 176 itcan be released f rom the'slots and can, together with the links 174, be swung downward out of the way.

After the apparatus has been brought into the position shown in Fig. 15, a horse 178 or other suitable support is placed under the skid 168 and the link 174 and the crosspiece 176 are swung downward out of the way. Then by blocking the wheels of the truck the continued winding of the cable 76 will cause the mining machine tobe moved with respect to the truck off from the cradle 34 and onto the skid 168. The resulting'position of the parts is shown in Fig. 16.

After the position shown in Fig. 16 has been reached the jack is moved and replaced at 179 near the left rib. The end of the feed cable is carried across and secured to the jack. By releasing the turntable of the truck and starting the feed drum the turntable and the mining machine can be swung round to a position in alignment with the track, as shown in 'Fig. 17. As soon as this position is reached the feeding is stopped and rails 180, 180 are put in place parallel to the coal face. The right hand ends of the rails are supported in the sockets 173, 173 on the skid and the other parts of the rails are sup orted on suitable horses 181, 181. The cab e 82 and the friction controlled drum 81 are now brought into use. The end of the cable 82 is secured to a jack at 182 and the brake band 83 is properly tensioned. The latches 172, 172 are moved to their inoperative positions and the rotation of the feed drum 62 is started. This drum by winding the feed cable 76 causes the machine to be advanced bodily across the room, it sliding off from the skid 168 onto the rails 1803180.- It will be understood that the rails 180, 180 merely serve as supports upon which the mining machine slides and do not serve as guides,

the guiding and controlling of the machine being entirely effected by the cables 76 and 82. The cable 82 serves to prevent the too rapid advancement of the rear end of the On account 'of the great resistance offered to the advancement of the cutter mechanism through the'coal and the relatively small frictional resistance offered to the advancement of the'bed frame of the machine, additional resistance must be provided for the bed frame. This is supplied by the cable 82 and the brake band 8,3 which-controls the drum81. By adjust ng the brake band the amount'of resistancecan be varied and the machine can be angled, i. e.,.t he machine bed frame and attached parts can be held back so that the cutter mechanism projects into the coal face at a forward angle, or the bedframe and attached parts can be permitted to get ahead so that the cutter mechanism projects into.

the coal face at a rearward angle. The machine can be handled upon the rails 180, 180 in the same way that it would be handled upon a mine floor in cutting a kerf at the bottom .of the room.

In Fig. 18 there-is shown an intermediate position of the machine, and in Fig. 19 the machine is shown in its extreme position with the cutter mechanism projecting into the rib somewhat to maintain the width of the room.

After the cutting operation has been completed the machine can be dragged back along the rails 180, 180 by passing the feed cable 76 back around the guide sheaves 80, 80 and 80, and connecting its'end to a jack at 183 near the right rib. This arrangement of the cable is shown in Fig. 20.

.After the machine has been hauled onto the skid as shown in Fig. 21, it can be moved backward onto the cradle of the truck by passing the cable backward overthe sheave 167 on the cradle and securing its end to some fixed object on the truck frame. After the machine is in place on the cradle, the rails 180, 180 can be removed from the sockets on the skid and the skid can be again fastened by means of the link 174 and the cross-piece 176. The apparatus can then be backed far enough away from the face to clear the cutter mechanism from the kerf and adjusted for movement to another place of use. i v It is to be observed that the mining machine truck, together with the supporting frame and the intermediate connectlons, is adapted to serve as a guide for controlling the operation of the mining machine, even when the machine is not entirely supported on the truck. For instance, as illustrated in Figure 17, the skid 168 serves as a connection between the mining machine and the truck, and this skid serves to guide the machine for movement in an arcuate path fixed relatively to the truck.

I do not broadly claim as a part of my invention a mining machine truck having a turntable upon which a mining machine can be removably supported, nor do- I'broadly claim a mining machine so mounted on a truck that it. can-be moved either vertically or angularly.

What I claim is:-

1. In a mining apparatus, thecombination of a base frame, supporting wheels tlrerefor, a mining machine supporting frame mounted on the base frame, a mining machine mounted on the supporting frame and comprising a bed frame having relatively smooth supporting shoes, a horizontally projecting cutter frame on the bed frame, a kerf cutting mechanism. carried by the cutter frameand comprising devices con: stant ly moving relatively thereto and operable-while the machine is. err-the supporting frame and a motor for driving the cutting mechanism, the said mining machine being readily separable from the supporting frame and operable independently thereof while moving bodily, and means supplemental to the aforesaid supporting wheels for bodily moving the entire apparatus to feed the cutting mechanism of the mining machine to its Work.

2. lln a mining apparatus, the combination of a main base frame, a mining machine supporting frame mounted on the base frame for rotation about a vertical axis, a mining machine mounted on the supporting frame and comprising abed frame having relatively smooth supporting shoes, a horizontally projecting cutter frame on the bed frame, a kerf cutting mechanism carried by the cutter frame and comprising devices constantly moving relatively thereto and oper-' able while the machine is on the supporting frame and a motor for driving the cutting mechanism, the said mining machine being readily separable from the base frame and the supporting frame and operable independently thereof while moving bodily, and means for turning the supporting frame with the mining machine thereon about the aforesaid vertical axis to feed the cutting mechanism of the mining machine to its work.

' 3. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a bodily movable main base frame, a mining machine supporting frame mounted on the base frame for rotation about a vertical axis, a mining machine mounted on the supporting frame and comprising a bed frame having relatively smooth supporting shoes, a horizontally projecting cutter frame on the bed frame, a kerf cuttingmechanism carried by the cutter'frame and comprising devices constantly moving relatively thereto and operable while the machine is on the supporting frame and a motor for driving the cutting mechanism, the said mining 7 machine being readily separable from the mining machine mounted on the supporting base frame and the supporting frame and operable independently thereof while moving bodily, and means for turning the supporting frame with the mining machine thereon about the aforesaid vertical axis or for bodily moving the base frame with the supporting frame and the mining machine thereon to feed the cutting mechanism of the mining machine to its work.

4:. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a main base frame, a mining machine supporting frame mounted on the base frame and vertically adjustable with respect thereto to anyone of several positions, a

frame and comprising a bed frame having relativelysmooth supporting shoes, a horithe bed zontally projecting cutter frame on frame, a kerf cutting mechanism carried bythe critter frame and comprising devices constantly moving relatively'thereto and operable while the machine is on the supporting frame and a motor for driving the cutting mechanism, the said mining machine being readily separable from the'base frame and the supporting frame and operable independently thereof while moving bodily, and

means operable with the supporting frame in any vertically adjusted position for bodily moving the entire apparatus to feed the cutting mechanism of the mining machine to its work.

5. "In a mining apparatus, the combination of a main base frame, a mining machine supporting frame mounted on the base frame for rotation about a vertical axis and for vertical adjustment with respect thereto to any one of several positions, a mining ma= chine mounted on the supporting frame and comprising abed frame having relatively smooth supporting shoes, a horizontally prothe miningmachine thereon to feed the cuttingmechanism of the mining machine to its work.

6. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a main base frame, supporting wheels therefor, a mining machlne sup-porting frame mounted on the base frame, means for adjusting the supporting frame vertically,

relatively to the base frame, a mining machine longitudinally slidably mounted on the supporting frame and comprising a bed frame having relatively smooth supporting" .shoes, a cutter frame projecting from the bed frame in the direction of the sliding movement thereof, a-kerf cutting mechanism carried by the cutter frame and comprising devices constantly moving relatively thereto and operable whilethe mining machine ison the supporting frame or is 'slidingtherei along and a motor for driving the cutting apparatus, the said mining machine being readily separable from the supporting frame and operable independently thereof while moving bodily, and means supplemental to the 'said'wheels for bodily moving the entire apparatus to feed the cutting mechanism of the mining machine to its 'work.

T. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a main base frame, a mining machine sup'-' porting frame mounted on the base frame for rotation about a vertical axis, a mining machine longitudinally slidably mounted on the supporting frame and comprising a bed frame having relatively smooth supporting shoes, a cutter frame projecting from the bed frame in the direction of the sliding movement thereof, a kerf cutting mechanism carried by the cutter frame and comprising devices constantly moving relatively thereto and operable while the mining machine is on the supporting frame or is sliding therealong and a motor for driving the cutting mechanism, the said mining machine being readily separable from. the base frame and the supporting frame and, operable independently thereof while moving bodily, and means for turning the supporting frame with the mining machine thereon about the aforesaid vertical axis to feed the cutting mechanism of the mining machine to its work.

8. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a plurality of upright supports mounted on the truck and arranged to define a horizontal polygon, a cutting mechanism carried by and pro ecting horizontally' from the truck, supporting and adjusting devices for the cutting mechanism engaging all of the upright supports and adapted to operate simultaneously to bodily move the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, and a motor for actuatin'g. the said devices.

9. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a plurality of upright supports mounted on the truck and arranged to define a horizontal polygon, a cutting mechanism carried by and projecting horizontally from the truck, supporting and adjusting devices for the cutting mechanism engaging all of the upright supports and adapted to operate simultaneously to bodily move the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, and a motor for actuatmg the cutting mechanism and the said devices, said motor being mounted to move bodily with the cutting me c-hanism.,

10,. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a turn-table on the truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the turn-table,- mechanism for moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the turn-table, and a motor supported by the turn-table for actuating the said moving mechanism.

11; In a mining apparatus, the combinationof a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck for movement with respect thereto vertically and horizontally, a driving motor connected with the cutting mechanism and bodily movable therewith vertically and horizontally, mechanism for bodily-moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect .to the truck,

and power connections comprising a'manually controllable friction clutch between the motor and the said moving mechanism.

12. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mecha-- nism mounted on the truck, said mechanism being movable inrelation to the truck horizontally to cut kerfs in horizontal planes and vertically to vary the elevation at,

which such kerfs arecut, a motor fixedly connected with the cutting mechanism to move bodily therewith, power connections comprising a manually controllable clutch. between the motor and the cutting mechanism, mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck,'and power connections comprising a manually controllable clutch between the motor and the said moving mechanism.

13. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a mining machine support mounted on the truck, mechanism for bodily moving the support vertically with respect to the truck, a mining machine removably mounted on the support ing a motor, and separable gearing for connecting the mining machine motor with the 'said moving mechanism when the mining machine is in place on the support.

15. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck for vertical movement with respect thereto, mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, a motor supported by the truck, a manually controllable power connection between the motor and the said moving mechanism, and a manually controllable power connection between the motor and .the wheels of the truck. 16. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck for vertical move; ment with respect thereto, mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck,-a motor mounted to move vertically with the cutting mechanism, a manually controllable friction clutch having its driving element connected with the motor, a manually controllable power connection between the 100 removably mounted on the support and hava driven element of the clutch and the said moving mechanism, and a manually controllable power connection between the driven element of the clutch and the wheels of the truck.

17. In a mining. apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck for vertical movement with respect thereto, mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, a motor mounted to move vertically with the cutting mechanism, a manually controllable friction clutch having its driving element connected with the motor, a manually controllable brake connected with the driven element of the clutch, a manually c0ntrollable power connection between the drivenv element of the clutch and the said moving mechanism, and a manually controllable power connectionbetween the driven element of the clutch and the wheels of the truck.

18. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck for vertical movement with respect thereto, mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect tothe truck, motive mechanism supported by-the truck, a separable power connection between the motive mechanism and the said moving mechanism, a separable power connection between the motive mechanism and the wheels of the truck, and a lock connected with the one of the elements of the first saidconnection for holding separated the elements of the second said connection when those of the first are engaged.

19. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck for vertical movement with respect thereto, mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, motive mechanism supported by the truck, a separable power connection between the motive mechanism and the said moving mechanism, a separable power connection between the motive mechanism and the wheels of the truck, and a lock connected with the one of the elements of the second said connection for holding separated the elements of the first said connec-v tion when those of theisecond are engaged.

20. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck for vertical movement with respect thereto, mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, motive mechanism supported by the truck, a separable power connection between the motive mechanism and-the said moving mechanism, a separable power connection between the motive mechanism and the wheels ofthe truck, and devices connected with the elements of the said connections for holding separated the elements of the first said connection when those of the second are engaged and for holding separated those of the second said mechanism when those of the first are engaged.

21. in a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a cutting mechanism mounted on the truck, mechanism for bodily moving the mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, a motor connected with the cutting mechanism to drive it, a manually controllable power connection between the motor and the said mechanism for moving the cutting mechanism vertically, and a manually controllable power connection between the motor and the Wheels of the truck.

22. in a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a mining machine suppbrt mounted on the truck for vertical movement with respect thereto, mechanism 'for bodily moving the support vertically with respect to the truck, a mining machine removably mounted on the support and having a motor, a clutch element on the mining machine connected with the motor, a clutch element on thesupport adapted to be engaged by the element on the mining machine, a manually controllable power connection between the clutch element on the support and the mechanism for moving the support vertically, and a manually controls lable power connection between the clutch element on the support and the wheels on the truck.

' 23. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a movable main-base frame, a horizontally projecting cutter framecarried by the base. frame and movable horizontally with respect thereto angularly about a vertical axis, a connection between the two frames for holding the cutter frame in a definite angular relation to the base frame for each position of angular adjustment, a motor fixedly connected to the cutter frame to move therewith, a kerf cutting mechanism carried by the cutter frame and driven by the motor, the said mechanism comprising devices constantly moving relatively to the cutter frame, and means driven by the said motor for adjusting the cutter frame vertically relatively to the base frame.

24. in a mining apparatus, the combination of a wheeled truck, a horizontally projecting cutting mechanism mounted on the truckfor movement about a vertical axis,

mechanism for bodily moving the cutting mechanism vertically with respect to the truck, a motor fixedly connected to the cutter mechanism to move therewith, devices for transmitting the power of the motor to move the cutting mechanism about the said vertical axis, a manually controllable power connection between the motor and the mech- 

